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Have you been separated from family by war, disaster or migration? Red Cross could help you.

How we can help

We can help:

  • find a family member missing as a result of war, disaster or migration through family tracing
  • send a message to a relative where there is no formal means of communication 
  • check the welfare of a relative overseas whom you are unable to reach due to illness or other circumstances 
  • by providing you with a confirmation of detention if the International Committee of the Red Cross visited you in detention overseas.

Our service is free of charge and confidential.

Contact us

Email tracing@redcross.org.au

Phone 1800 875 199 (a free call from a landline)

Our service is part of the International Red Cross Red Crescent network, and we receive our referrals directly from Red Cross in other countries. If you are located overseas, please contact your local Red Cross Red Crescent office.

Australian Red Cross is part of the global Restoring Family Links network. 

Looking after yourself

If you or your family have been impacted by a distressing event, we have resources that can help. Advice about coping with distress, including how you can support children through difficult times, in a range of languages. Learn more »

Red Cross cannot accept requests when there is not enough information to conduct a search, when it is for genealogical research, or relates to family breakdown or legal matters like wills and child custody.

Experience the journey
Experience the journey

In this interactive presentation we take you on the journey of a young girl called Nadine. You have the chance to experience her story and decide what you would do if you found yourself in Nadine’s situation.

Learn more
Trace the face
Trace the face

A Red Cross Red Crescent search tool to help people locate missing relatives who have migrated towards Europe or Southern Africa and lost contact. You can look directly for your family members in an online photo gallery.

Learn more

Other services and resources

Family tracing

Missing persons

Genealogical searches

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history and tracing

General information

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

For queries relating to the assistance of Australian nationals overseas, please contact:

  • In Australia 1300 555 135 (24-hour consular emergency contact) 
  • Outside Australia +61 2 6261 3305

Red Cross pays our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodians of the country where we work, and to Elders, past, present and emerging.

Learn about our Reconciliation Action Plan and how we can all make reconciliation real.

This website may contain the images, voices or names of people who have passed away.

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Australian Red Cross is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, the national regulator of charities. Learn more at acnc.gov.auAustralian Red Cross was named Australia’s Most Trusted Charity 2025, highlighting the ongoing impact of its mission and the deep trust Australians place in the organisation.

© Australian Red Cross 2025. ABN 50 169 561 394